Cognitive Theory of Learning

The cognitive theory lays emphasis on the human conscious mind being the major element in the learning process. It explains the careful structuring of the mind that enables it collect, organize and relate new experiences and knowledge to the already existing ones in the brain. For your Custom Essay click here

Various aspects of cognitive theories of learning exist. They have proved to be of uttermost help to educators who wants learning to be from rote to meaningful learning so as to have new knowledge coming up.

Mnemonics

This cognitive theory of learning emphasize on acronyms as a quick storage and retrieval of information. For instance, in learning Biology, the characteristics of living things can be coined into MRS GREN.  It helps in the quick recall of movement, reproduction, sensitivity, growth, respiration, excretion and nutrition. This could have been a hard task if the information was to be retrieved independently.

Dual Coding Cognitive learning theory is enhanced when verbal presentation is complemented by visual images (2V’s). For example, when introducing a topic on domestic animals to a child, visual aids come in handy. It helps the child in recognizing form and shape hence, differentiating the animals. A child who learnt with the 2V’S can differentiate a goat from a dog than a child who learnt verbally.

Schema Theory

This cognitive theory of learning states that information learnt is grouped into patterns of likeness in the brain’s long term memory. This is very useful in learning as it helps educators try to link the just to be acquired knowledge with the already existing knowledge for harmonization. For instance, a new accounts learner needs to relate the addition in Mathematics to those in accounts for effective learning to occur. This helps the learner relate information and therefore be able to come up with the whole learning process.

Meaningful Learning

It is a cognitive learning theory that further enhances learning as it enables the learner link the new knowledge with familiar information. For example, learning about a river could entail a visit to a river which learners may have not yet seen or could have seen it but never given it much thought. This provokes the learner to discover more about the given entity taking learning to a higher level.

 Law of Continuity

A cognitive learning theory that helps in making learning a continuous process on which new knowledge is built on previously gained knowledge. For instance, in Mathematics, a topic on factors can be followed by prime factors, then prime factorization and later great common factor, this makes learning smooth and continuous.